He said shared growth, sustain­ability and solidarity remained three critical pillars for the future of Africa and South Korean relations and these three must be pursued to the letter.

President Akufo-Addo (left) interacting with some dignitaries after the summit

“By fostering trade, investment, and innovation, we can create a re­lationship of synergy that benefits both regions,” he emphasised.

President Akufo-Addo made the call at the opening of the 2024 Ko­rea-Africa Summit in Seoul, Korea, yesterday.

This year’s summit, which is under the auspices of President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, is on the theme: “The Future We Make Together” and is being attended by heads of state from across Africa.

President Akufo-Addo empha­sised the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Korea, estab­lished nearly 50 years ago in 1977.

“Korea has proven to be a reli­able partner and dependable friend of Ghana,” he stated, highlighting the economic, cultural, and politi­cal exchanges that have benefitted both nations.

He praised the collaborative spirit that had characterised this partnership and expressed hope for its continued strength.

The President underscored the importance of economic collabo­ration, noting that Africa’s abun­dant natural resources and youthful population as key assets.

He pointed to significant prog­ress in economic cooperation, with increased trade volumes and suc­cessful joint ventures in manufac­turing, agriculture, and information technology.

President Akufo-Addo acknowl­edged that more work is needed to remove barriers to trade, enhance infrastructure, and promote knowl­edge exchange to unlock the full potential of this partnership.

Touching on the global climate crisis, President Akufo-Addo called for sustainable practices to protect the environment and promote renewable energy.

He praised Korea’s leadership in green technology and sustainable development, urging Africa to leverage these innovations. “This is not merely an environmental imperative; it is an economic op­portunity that can drive long-term growth and stability,” he asserted.

The President emphasised the need for global solidarity, partic­ularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global chal­lenges. He highlighted the impor­tance of supporting one another to ensure collective resilience. President Akufo-Addo referenced Korea’s recent trilateral meeting with Japan and China, noting its significance for Africa.

Strengthened relations among these economic powerhouses, he said, should lead to increased in­vestment, new markets for African products, and technology transfer.

President Akufo-Addo also focused on the potential of in­novation and technology to drive sustainable development. He called for collaboration in research and development, advancing digital literacy, and promoting entrepre­neurship to harness the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the future of Afri­ca-Korea relations. “The future we make together should be one of shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity,” he declared. He urged both regions to seize the moment to deepen their collaboration and build a brighter, more prosperous future.

The 2024 Korea-Africa Summit continues over the coming days, with various sessions aimed at strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. Leaders and delegates from both regions are expected to engage in meaningful dialogues to advance their shared goals.